Minnesota PHCC Contractor May/June 2018

FEATURE
ATTRACTING &
TRAINING TOP
INDUSTRY TALENT:
WHAT CAN YOU DO
NOW?
The projected worker shortage in the p-h-c industry is staggering. The
trades will need 21 percent more plumbers and 21 percent more HVAC
technicians by 2022 in addition to replacing workers who retire!
Many companies already are facing problems finding qualified
workers and there are more challenges to come. PHCC-
National Association and the PHCC Educational Foundation
have implemented a special task force to assess ways p-h-c
businesses can attract, train and retain the next generation of
skilled workers. In the meantime, here are some suggestions
on how you can develop the workforce you need … now and in
the future.
ATTRACT – Things you can do in your area!
• Share your passion with local schools: lead a Career
Day presentation and spark an interest in a student who
hadn’t considered a plumbing or HVACR career; head a
discussion on trade occupations at a PTA or PTO meeting;
establish a co-op plumbing program at your local high
school.
• Talk with school officials about the importance of career
and technical education.
• Mentor students of all ages. Start with your local Scout
troops (Boy Scouts of America offers merit trade badges,
including plumbing, welding, drafting and – coming soon
– HVAC; learn more at www.meritbadge.org.)
• Invite students and young adults to shadow you for a day
to get a real-life perspective of a “day in the life” of a p-h-c
professional.
8 May - June 2018 | MN PHCC | www.mnphcc.org